New LAD director sees bright future for southern Leavenworth County

Bill Schulte, the new executive director for Leavenworth Area Development (LAD), has manned his new post for about a week.

But there's one thing he knows for certain when asked about Leavenworth County and more specifically Basehor.

"You're definitely in a growth mode," Schulte said. "You're definitely going to see things happen in the next 10 years or so.

"In 10 years, you're going to have a lot of economic clout."

Schulte addressed members of the Basehor Chamber of Commerce during their meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Schulte replaces former LAD director Gary Carlson.

He said it is obvious that southern Leavenworth County is experiencing a boom in development now and that will continue to in the future.

"Everything seems to be getting put into place to have this area do really well as far as growth," Schulte said, citing increases in not only residential growth, but also commercial, industrial and retail.

And it's important for those new businesses to keep coming. One way to ensure they keep flooding in, is to provide adequate infrastructure, he said.

"As long as the infrastructure (is in place) to go along with the rooftops, your going to get businesses developing here," he said.

"It's not all about rooftops. You have to have the people for businesses to come. But if we can get the businesses to come here, that's where your real tax enhancement comes in."

In other Chamber of Commerce news, three new officers were appointed Tuesday night to three-year terms. They are: Susan Adams, Joe Thompson and Julian Espinoza.

More officers will be elected during the chamber's next meeting, Dec. 18.